Health Watch: Diet can help delay, prevent kidney failure

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Butler County Times Gazette

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Posted Apr. 25, 2014 at 1:01 AM

Posted Apr. 25, 2014 at 1:01 AM

Tip of the Week

Chronic kidney disease affects one in 10 Americans age 20 or older, according to the CDC Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. Managing the disease through diet and other lifestyle changes can help people delay or even prevent the most serious consequence of kidney disease: kidney failure. Yet because the disease is often without symptoms, you or a loved one may be at risk and not even know it.

People at risk for kidney disease include those with diabetes or high blood pressure, as well as older adults, Hispanics, African-Americans and American Indians, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other risk factors for kidney disease include cardiovascular disease, obesity, high cholesterol, lupus and a family history of the disease.

If people with kidney disease manage their diet, they may delay or even prevent kidney failure. One of the ways to manage this diet is through an online diet tool.

They can be used to customize meal plans for those with diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney disease. They can also be used to support a kidney-friendly diet for loved ones not currently on dialysis.

- Brandpoint

Number to Know

430,000: Currently, more than 430,000 Americans are on dialysis, according to a study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology.

Children’s Health

Ill-fitting footwear can irritate kids’ feet and aggravate existing conditions caused by injury, heredity, deformity or illness. When shopping for shoes, take the child with you and have him or her try on the shoes. Every shoe fits differently, so even if you’re buying your child’s correct size, the shoe still may not be comfortable. Have the child try on footwear with the socks or tights you expect will be worn with the shoes. Always measure a child’s foot before buying new shoes. Children’s feet grow so quickly, their shoe size can literally change from month to month.

- Brandpoint

Senior Health

Sleep is vital to weight maintenance and hormone balance, and lack of sleep is linked to diabetes, heart disease and depression. New research now shows that sleep plays a role in almost all aspects of health. “It’s common knowledge that sleep is needed for day to day function,” Dr. David Rapoport, director of the Sleep Medicine Program at NYU School of Medicine, told Time magazine. “What isn’t common knowledge is that it really matters — it’s not just cosmetic.” Soon your doctor might be prescribing a good night’s rest along with diet and exercise.